Kentucky Youth Advocates Benefit Access Initiative

1. Kentucky Youth AdvocatesBenefit Access Initiative Streamlining Access, Strengthening Families Presented to: Kentucky Equal Justice Center May 17, 2012 Please contact rtempleton@kyyouth.org for additional information

2. Kentucky Community Colleges Philanthropy & Investors KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action • Department of • Community Based • Services (DCBS) & • Local / Regional • Government • Faith-Based • And • Community • Organizations • (FBCO) Customer Centric Benefits Strategy

3. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action Achieve institutionalization of benefits access within community partner organizations, embedding benefits access within their service delivery strategies and program designs to serve benefit seekers with greater impact and improved economic outcomes over time.

4. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action KYA, DCBS, and selected partners have identified the need for a greater customer-centric approach, thereby increasing successful application and recertification for benefits. All partners have indicated the importance of knowledgeable staff who can answer questions about the range of benefits available and assist with the application process.

5. Kentucky Youth AdvocatesBenefit Access Initiative Who might be involved -- Organizations: • Faith-based • Health & social service • Food and nutrition • Community-based • United Way • Homeless shelters • Immigration and Refugee • Education • Advocacy groups

6. Kentucky Youth AdvocatesBenefit Access Initiative • Who Might Be Involved -- Programs: • Asset building • Financial planning • Housing and housing assistance • EITC • Prisoner re-entry • Work search • Job-training • Skill certification

7. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action Our Progress: Strong and Supportive Community Kentuckians feel a sense of shared responsibility for helping families succeed. We want to ensure that people have the opportunity to be healthy, safe, and cared for in order to lead full, productive lives. • Areas of successful state (DCBS) investment: • KCHIP health insurance - 21% increase in children covered (2009-2010) • SNAP Participation – 2008, 5th at 86% 2009, 14th at 81% • Areas where our collaboration can contribute: • Uninsured Kids - 2009, ACS (64,407) 2010, ACS (61,180) • SNAP Participation by Working Poor – 2008, 5th at 73% 2009, 28th at 64%

8. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action Action Steps: Assess Benefit Access Needs Reduce child care cost, travel time/expense, time missed at work Increase access for the working poor – FBCO locations, hours, atmosphere, familiar, friendly, related services. Assess Resources DCBS office in each county Add 250 – 400 FBCO/college campus locations Focus on What’s Important SNAP / KCHIP to begin EITC, FAFSA, Medicaid, Child Care to follow

9. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action • Steps: • Choose Effective Policies and Programs • Intermediary / DCBS fully engaged in benefit access • Electronic submission of applications (SharePoint) • Telephone eligibility interviews • SNAP Self Service Portal – apply, renew, change • Participate in USDA SNAP Outreach Program • Act on What’s Important • Recruit FBCO partners • Train and Support FBCO staff and volunteers • Fully Utilize DCBS SharePoint Site • Evaluate Actions

10. KYA Benefit Access InitiativeWorking Together – Taking Action Roy Templeton Benefits Access Initiative KENTUCKY YOUTH ADVOCATES rtempleton@kyyouth.org www.kyyouth.org Got Benefits? Let us know how we can help you.